Favourited 4 times
I am 44 and work from home sometimes and some days in the office. I am from the uk originally but came to Wellington for a week nearly 20 years ago and didn't leave! The kids have grown up fast and just my 15 year old son is at home now (he splits his time between here and his Dads).
I am pretty laid back- and in the evenings I enjoy relaxing with a cup of tea. I love to hear about different cultures and life experiences. A bad back has meant I can't do as much as I used to physically.
That and other priorities has meant the home and garden needs a bit of love and skill.
Location-wise there is a local walking track nearby and 2km down hill to the local beaches (good for surfing) and marine reserve (good for swimming/ snorkeling) and the same distance to local bars/ shops or 5km to Courtenay place / Cuba street (Wellington CBD) or Airport. Bus service runs hourly during the day.
On street parking (free) available if you have a car or campervan.
Boardgames (Catan is the current favourite but open to others!) and exchanging travel stories (both past and planned) are available - or can give you some space to chill on your own if you prefer.
Look forward to hearing from you!
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Help around the house
General Maintenance
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
We love meeting new people and hearing about their culture and life experiences. Happy to introduce you to Settlers of Catan and when my son is home he will often explain more about the NZ culture. We can also show you how to make lemon curd and soda bread.
There are lots of mini projects to choose from depending on your skills and preferences...and how long you would like to stay in the coolest little capital city in the world!
My goal is to transform the current jungle like, messy garden into a well balanced, maintable eco friendly garden (space to chill/relax, space to grow and maybe even a self filtering pond / water feature)...I have a rough idea based on permaculture principles but need someone who is handy on the tools and capable to make it happen and perhaps bring a little vision of their own! Would love it if some of the existing materials can be repurposed as much as possible.
Mini projects include (in no particular order although would love the garden bits to be underway before Christmas so can enjoy some outdoor time in summer):
Fixing the garage and shed roof / gutter and attaching rainwater tank
Building accessible garden beds including a self watering system ready for planting next year
Laying paving stones and creating a terrace like area with rockery / herb garden
Building a small deck
General home maintenance
General garden maintenance (weeding, hedge trimming, sweeping, planting, cutting the grass etc)
Build a chicken coop / run
Grafting fruit trees
Preparing and painting house exterior (a great one for summertime?)
Build a fence
Making simple roman blinds (sewing or non sew method)
Make removable fitted covers for the sofas
Help design a home renovation plan
Install floating wooden floor in kitchen
Help springclean and organise the home and shed
Basically let me know what your skills and experience are and how long you would like to stay in Wellington and am sure we can find a suitable project(s)!
English: Fluent
German: Intermediate
French: Beginner
Happy to accommodate individuals or couples or can make arrangements if you are travelling as a small group of friends - just let me know.
Private room with shared facilities.
Our home isn't flash and is a little tired but it has everything you need to relax, make meals, play boardgames (or read a book) and of course sleep. Depending on when you visit it may be just me or my teen(s) may also be home.
Accommodation and food/ shared meals (will stock up with the usual food items including fresh eggs from our chickens and happy for us to cook together some evenings if you would like - we love to learn new recipes and techniques!) in exchange for up to 5hrs work / day (5 days of week).
Singles, couples or friends (up to 3 at a time) are all welcome.
Must be ok with cats (we have 2) and chickens are in the garden too.
I eat poultry and some seafood but not red meat like pork/ beef/ lamb (but my son does so no issues if you do!). If you are vegetarian you are welcome- unfortunately I can't cater for vegans (but you are welcome if you are happy to live in a non vegan home that has backyard chickens and supply any special foods yourselves).
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Free on street parking is available if you have a car or campervan.
More than two
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week